BOSTON (AP) — Cities and towns in Massachusetts will soon have more money to fix local roads and bridges.
Gov. Charlie Baker yesterday signed House bill 3187 approved by lawmakers that authorizes distribution of $200 million in so-called Chapter 90 transportation funds for municipalities.
The governor said in a statement that the money is being made available in time for the spring and summer construction season, and will help communities recover from damage to transportation infrastructure that occurred during the record-setting winter storms.
On his first day in office in January, Baker released another $100 million in Chapter 90 funding that had been withheld by the previous administration.
He also announced a $30 million winter recovery assistance program last month to help cities and towns repair potholes and other damage.
“Our Commonwealth can only be as strong as every city and town, and Lt. Governor Polito and I are pleased to fulfill our commitment to support municipalities and grant access to critical funding for transportation improvements,” said Baker. “After a rigorous winter, the timely delivery of these funds is a much-needed resource and welcome opportunity to spur economic growth in every zip code.”
“As we continue to build strong partnerships with our cities and towns in every corner of the Commonwealth, we are glad to release additional funds to municipalities to assist with local construction projects and boost recovery efforts after an unprecedented winter,” said Polito. “I look forward to proceeding with my statewide tour to visit with local officials to talk about the important issues facing our cities and towns as we work collaboratively toward a stronger state for all families and communities.”
Through Chapter 90 bond issuances, cities and towns are reimbursed for eligible transportation projects, submitting qualifying costs to their local MassDOT Highway Division district for review by MassDOT’s Fiscal Department. More information about the Chapter 90 Program is available here:
http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/stateaid01a&sid=about
